Battle Of The Flags: FIFA Was To Blame, Says Erdogan

[Zakarian Garnik]

BATTLE OF THE FLAGS: FIFA WAS TO BLAME, SAYS ERDOGAN

Tert
Oct 21 2009
Armenia

Turkey considered Azerbaijani flag and territories as holy as Turkey's,
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday, reports
Turkish news agency Anadolu Ajansi.

Commenting on relations with Azerbaijan, Erdogan said he talked to
Azerbaijani parliamentarians and assessed the protocols signed with
Armenia. "I have told them that it is out of the question for Turkey
to take a step against Azerbaijan. Circles of instigation are trying
to mislead public with slanders. Azerbaijani brothers should not
allow them," Erdogan said.

Erdogan said Turkey looked after interests of Azerbaijan and considers
Azerbaijan's sorrows as its own. "Azerbaijan's happiness enhances
Turkey's enthusiasm," he said.

"Nobody should misinterpret Turkey's sincere efforts and friendly
position. Nobody should try to test Turkey," he noted.

"The progress recorded in Turkish-Azerbaijani relations in our 7-year
AK Party is clear. We did what was necessary," Erdogan said, adding
that it was FIFA's decision not to allow Azerbaijani flags in the
national Armenia-Turkey football match in Bursa.